I can tell you my experience here in Germany:

No problem in any soil. Not too dry is better. Moderate growth. In 25 years 4m high, 3 m wide.Hardy, in wind, too, but better not much wind in winter.My zone is 7A.

Good luck

Wolfgang

It likes summer moisture, good drainage and plenty of sun. I'm not in a windy place, plus I'm in Zone 8, so I don't know much about that.
I acquired mine about twelve years ago and that's a rough guess. It's growth rate is on the slow side of moderate for me. Here it is on the right. Looking north. Picture taken last July.
Mike

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Thank you, gentlemen. Mike, you have an amazing collection, and live in conifer paradise, don't you.

A lot of conifers grow well here, but some don't. Most Spruces don't look their best in my climate. I will be taking a Picea pungens down soon. It looks terrible!
Mike

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I have been growing two C. j. 'Araucarioides' in my yard for about 3-1/2 years now.
After each winter, the parts that stick out above the snow look a bit burnt, but so far have always continued with vigorous growth during summer -- much better than my Cunninghamia lanceolata 'Glauca', for example.

Small C. j. 'Araucarioides' do seem to have a problem deciding who the leader is going to be, however.
I am trying to encourage the process by staking, with good results in one case, but not so good in the other (so far).

Good luck on yours, and please keep us updated on progress !

Good plant. It prefers moist soil, but not standing water. Make sure it is well-drained soil. Most conifers like it like that, with the exception of bald-cypresses.
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-Sam

Nice specimen, Sam ! ...thanks !

Not a problem, Jaro. The Cryptomeria grow well here in the PNW!

-Sam

Nice pic, Sam, but somebody should take that stake out of there.

tj

Thank you all for all the info, and especially the photos. I hope to plant mine this weekend, if we ever dry out enough.